Sabarimala Temple
It is a sacred pilgrimage located on the
top of the rugged hills of Western Ghats. Dedicated to Lord Ayappa, who is
believed to be the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is Lord Ayappa,
also known as Dharma Shasta, who brings together the Shaivaite and
Vaishnavaite branches of Hinduism together. The Kerala Sabarimala temple tour is
difficult wherein you'll have to make your way through the thick forests of
the Sahyadri mountains. People visiting the temple observe strict self
discipline while on this pilgrimage.
Fast Facts
- District : Pathanamthitta
- State : Kerala
- Other names :
- Location : The major distances to Sabarimala from
Calicut is 414 km, from Cochin 209 km, from Kodaikanal 261 km and
from Trivandrum is 190 km.
- Journey Time : It takes from Calicut about 10 hrs to
reach Sabarimala, 5 hrs to reach from Cochin, 6 and ½ hrs to
reach from Kodaikanal and 5 hrs to reach from Trivandrum,
respectively.
- Route from Trivandrum : While going from Trivandrum to
Sabarimala, you'll have to travel through Kottarakara, Adoor,
Thatta, Pathanamthitta, and Pampa to reach Sabarimala.
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Feature Attraction
Aazhipooja
It is an important event attached with the pilgrimage. It celebrates the
attainment of an ascetic frame of mind. It is celebrated shortly before the
day devotees set out on the holy trek. This ritual is also known as
Vellamkudi, Dahamveppu and Padukka. Aazhipooja is celebrated when it is
believed that the devotee has attained considerable degree of self
purification.
Accommodation
- Hotel Ashok International
- Hotel Elite Continental
- Hotel Holiday Inn
- Apsara Tourist Home
- All these hotels are located at Pathanamthitta.
When to go
The best period to visit Sabarimala temple is between November to middle of
January as the two main Pujas called Mandal Puja and Makara Sankranti are
held in this period.
How to get there
Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest international airport from Sabarimala
which is about 190 km away. Other nearby airport is the Cochin airport. The
nearest railway station is Thiruvalla which is 102 km away. The most
convenient way to reach Sabarimala is through Chalakkayam, and from here you
can reach Pampa which is the main halting point before you set out for
Sabarimala.
Other Attractions
» Petta Thullal
It is a spectacular event held at Erumeli during the pilgrimage. The
devotees are painted in dots and stripes with ashes and saffron and they
dance to the beats of drums.
» Mount Neelimala
It is the last lap of the holy trek which is steeper when compared with the
other parts of the trek. It also has the pious eighteen steps which takes
the devotees to the presiding deity Lord Ayappa.
